Mercedes-Benz agrees to massive settlement after mold found growing in HVAC systems
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,696
Likes: 521
2019 S560, 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
What does it mean when they say coverage for future repairs requires:
"Proof that the vehicle timely received proper service in reasonable compliance with the vehicle’s maintenance schedule for the two service intervals immediately prior to the requested repair. Such proof includes, but is not limited to, documentation from an Authorized Service Center or Independent Service Provider ..."
The vehicle maintenance schedule doesn't call for any services or intervals for "moldy, mildew-y HVAC odor". Are they saying you have to get other, unrelated services like oil and brake fluid changes done at the dealer? Sounds like Mercedes negotiated to get more service business for the dealers as part of the settlement (thought it does allow one to meet this requirement via "... receipts of parts and materials used for maintenance that you performed on the vehicle")
"Proof that the vehicle timely received proper service in reasonable compliance with the vehicle’s maintenance schedule for the two service intervals immediately prior to the requested repair. Such proof includes, but is not limited to, documentation from an Authorized Service Center or Independent Service Provider ..."
The vehicle maintenance schedule doesn't call for any services or intervals for "moldy, mildew-y HVAC odor". Are they saying you have to get other, unrelated services like oil and brake fluid changes done at the dealer? Sounds like Mercedes negotiated to get more service business for the dealers as part of the settlement (thought it does allow one to meet this requirement via "... receipts of parts and materials used for maintenance that you performed on the vehicle")
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 104
Likes: 3
ml55 amg
I have smell during the summer and now my car has 128k miles (2011). I have not done any service on hvac system. Can I claim on the website for smell even I have not did a repair in passed? The only thing has done was cabin filter change.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
At 128,000 miles you're beyond the limits of the lawsuit anyway. FWIW, my dealer said to rid the car of the odor and change the filter would be $275. I am not sure how long this would last.. but in previous cars setting climate to 72 degrees prevented the issue from ever returning (because it used fresh air and not just recirc). I think using 72 as a set point is mentioned in my manual.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 358
Likes: 172
2015 E250 Bluetec
Any update on an official MB solution?
I have had no issues with my AC smelling, but this morning when it was quite cold out I think the car actually started routing air through the heating system for the first time in a while. Had a mild musty smell. Turned up the fan for a few minutes and it subsided. Could it be stuff in the ducting? Hopefully not the heater core, one would think that would be a self-sterilizing item.
I cleaned my own AC evaporator in my 2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup. It was quite the messy chore even with that car having a very convenient drain hose running through the passenger footwell that you can use to shoot the cleaner (I used Toyota's OEM kit) up to the evaporator and then reconnect it to let the gunk drain down onto the street. I'd attempt the same for peace of mind with this car if there is no impending MB solution, but some guidance from somebody who's done it would be great.
I have had no issues with my AC smelling, but this morning when it was quite cold out I think the car actually started routing air through the heating system for the first time in a while. Had a mild musty smell. Turned up the fan for a few minutes and it subsided. Could it be stuff in the ducting? Hopefully not the heater core, one would think that would be a self-sterilizing item.
I cleaned my own AC evaporator in my 2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup. It was quite the messy chore even with that car having a very convenient drain hose running through the passenger footwell that you can use to shoot the cleaner (I used Toyota's OEM kit) up to the evaporator and then reconnect it to let the gunk drain down onto the street. I'd attempt the same for peace of mind with this car if there is no impending MB solution, but some guidance from somebody who's done it would be great.
